Fun, Little-Known Facts About Teeth

Teeth are absolutely fascinating! There may be a lot of things that you don't know about your own teeth. At Access Dental and Dentures, we are experts on dental health and how to help take care of yourself. We love helping people feel more confident about their health, and part of that is learning more about your teeth. In today's blog, we are talking about 9 different fun facts about teeth that you may not already know. Keep reading to learn more!

You're Born with Teeth
Teeth begin forming while a person is still in the womb. Even though it appears as if a baby is born with no teeth, all 20 baby teeth are right there under the gum surface, waiting to break out.

They're Unique To You!
Your teeth are like a fingerprint, unique to your body. This is why dental records can be used to identify a person. As a matter of fact, your tongue also has a unique "tongue print."

Only 2/3 of Them Are Visible
One-third of your teeth are hidden inside the gums. That's why it's very important to take care of your gums too for good oral health. If they are damaged they cannot hold and protect the lower portion of your teeth.

They Grow Throughout Your Life
The enamel itself on the outside of your teeth remains the same but inside, your teeth continue to change throughout your entire life. Just below the layer of enamel is dentin, of which there are 3 types: primary, secondary, and reparative. The dentin inside always continues to grow and change.

They're Actually Not Bones
Just by looking at them, you might assume teeth are bones but guess what... they're not. The hard shell of enamel is mostly made up of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, yet not exactly the same. That enamel surrounds the rest of the tooth to keep it safe.

Teeth are the Hardest Body Part
Enamel is actually the hardest part of your body and even the dentin inside is harder than your bones. This does not mean teeth are invincible though. Sugars and acids interacting with bacteria in your mouth attack the enamel and break it down. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to keep this from happening. If you're not careful, teeth can still be chipped or cracked. Ways to avoid this include wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, not chewing on hard items like ice, and not using your teeth to "bite" open things that are not food.

Plaque & Bacteria
Plaque may sound like a singular thing, but is made up of millions of bacteria! Beyond that, there are as many as 300 different species of bacteria.

Don't Brush Right Away
You need to brush at least twice a day and after meals when possible, but not immediately after you eat. Brushing within half an hour of eating or drinking certain foods can actually damage the enamel. It's best to wait at least an hour.

Floss for Every Spot
Flossing once a day is important for good oral health too. When you don't floss you could be missing up to a stunning 40% of your tooth surfaces!

Dental Care in Missouri

Being knowledgeable about your dental health is important to help stay healthy overall. If you need help getting your smile up to your dream standards, we are here for you and would love to help set up an appointment. As the best dentists in Southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures can help improve your smile to help boost your confidence and health. Give us a call!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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